Back injuries can be caused by lifting heavy objects, repetitive motion, slip-and-fall accidents, and other accidents at work. These types of workplace injuries are largely avoidable, and when employers provide proper training and safe working conditions, the incidence of back injuries may decrease. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our workers’ compensation lawyers handle all types of cases involving back injuries. We believe employers in the greater New York City area have a duty to take steps to help their employees avoid back injuries.
Back Injury Prevention Strategies for Employers
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in addition to improving the ergonomics of employees’ work areas, implementing certain controls can limit back injuries at work. Matching workers with tasks that are the best fit for them can significantly cut down the incidence of back injuries. Some other ways in which employers can do this include:
- Testing the strength of new and existing employees. This can help reduce the risk of back injury to workers performing jobs that exceed their strength capabilities.
- Training in lifting techniques. Receiving training on how to properly lift, carry, and move objects can help prevent excessive strain on the back, shoulders, and other parts of the body. Recommending that employees perform stretching exercises before work also can help them avoid back injury. Requiring employees to adhere to the recommended parameters of maximum weights and sizes of objects likely will make them less prone to suffering back injuries as well.
- Encouraging employees to rotate tasks. This can help them avoid developing a repetitive stress injury in the back. Repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome also can be lessened by switching up tasks, taking breaks, and providing ergonomic workstations.
- Adjusting the way a workplace is set up. This is a good way to help employees avoid back and lifting injuries, and make handling large, awkward, or heavy items much less hazardous. Lifting objects at a level above the shoulders or below the knees often results in back injuries. Adjusting the height of shelves and avoiding storing products above shoulder level can be effective in preventing back injuries. Providing mechanical lifting aids such as forklifts, pneumatic lifts, conveyors, and other equipment can help eliminate many types of workplace injuries.
Workers’ Compensation for Back Injuries in New York City
Even the most cautious workers can suffer on-the-job back injuries. If you’re suffering from a work-related back injury or repetitive strain injury, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical bills, wage loss, and other workplace injury-related expenses.
These types of cases can be challenging, as employers and their insurers often try to minimize injuries or deny claims altogether. Finding a good workplace injury law firm can help to ensure your rights are protected and give you the best chance for recovering the full amount of benefits and compensation you need.
Third-Party Work Injury Claims
Although you can’t sue your employer for negligence in New York, if another party caused you harm, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against them. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate your case, advise you of your options, and fight for your rights. Workers’ compensation attorneys and personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluations, so you really have nothing to lose by contacting an attorney.
Contact a Greater NYC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury at work, Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, can help. For more than 30 years, our workplace injury law firm has helped clients in Staten Island and the greater New York City area obtain the workers’ compensation and disability benefits they need. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela is proud to assist our Spanish-speaking clients. Call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
